“Inside this ring, athletes will become heroes, men will become icons, and superstars will become legends. The legacies built here will change the sports entertainment industry forever.” – Shane McMahon

Evolution helped Triple H win the Royal Rumble, and The Game parlayed that victory into becoming a ten time world champion at WrestleMania 20, pinning champion Kurt Angle after nailing both his opponents with sledgehammer blows.

WWE Championship Match
Rob Van Dam def. Brock Lesnar(c)

The ultimate Cinderella story unfolded at WrestleMania 20, as Van Dam upset beastly Brock Lesnar to earn his first WWE Championship.

Singles Match
The Undertaker def. Monty Brown

The Deadman emerged victorious, extending his undefeated streak in an interpromotional contest. The Undertaker beat The Alpha Male after multiple interferences by The New Breed and by the ECW Originals.

Petey Williams continued his impressive run, utilizing perhaps the most deadly move in all of professional wrestling, The Canadian Destroyer, to help pave the way to victory in the flagship match of the X-Division.

Singles Match
“HBK” Shawn Michaels def. John “Bradshaw” Layfield

It was a personal and nasty brawl that began following The Royal Rumble. Layfield enlisted the help of Orlando Jordon to beat Michaels bloody twice on the road to WrestleMania, but it was The Heartbreak Kid who had the last laugh, ducking a Clothesline From Hell to deliver Sweet Chin Music.

Batista and Ric Flair began Evolution’s night with victory, defeating three teams to claim the World Tag-Team Championships. Batista hit champion Charlie Haas with a Batista Bomb, and Ric Flair intercepted a last-ditch saving effort from Shelton Benjamin with an opportune chop block.

The first Money in the Bank Match in WWE history saw reigning United States Champion John Cena add another accolade to his impressive rise. Cena claimed the gold after sending match architect Chris Jericho thundering to the floor following an FU from atop a ladder.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend. - John 15:13

Monday Night Raw
March 15, 2004
From Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York

On the night after WrestleMania 20, it is Evolution who begins Monday Night Raw. Dressed in suits, Randy Orton is bandaged over the forehead. The group talks about their individual attributes, and their accolades as the most successful force in wrestling history. They boast of having every single possible championship on Raw, and say this is just the beginning. They are going to keep making history.

The Rock enters on the ramp, making fun of Orton and Batista and talking about the disrespect shown to Mick Foley and others. Ric Flair says that reminds all that Evolution has already ended the careers of Scott Steiner, Mick Foley, and injured several others like Goldberg, Hardcore Holly and Kevin Nash. Batista says that The Rock should back down and keep quiet. The Rock says no one of them could go one on one with the Great One.

Kurt Angle is next out, joining The Rock on the entrance ramp to say it's only a matter of time until he is champion again. Angle says he doesn't need an army behind him like Hunter. Angle talks about his own accolades and accomplishments before Eric Bischoff emerges.
Bischoff makes the main event of the evening, a tag-team contest that will pit Angle and The Rock against Ric Flair and Batista.

Next up is the Highlight Reel with Chris Jericho. Jericho talks about the Money in the Bank Ladder Match, how the briefcase went to a thug, and how it's an embarrassment. Jericho says his guest is not an embarrassment and introduces the newest member of the WWE Board of Directors, Robert Avery. Avery introduces himself and pumps up the fans with his life story and decision to invest in the wrestling business. Robert introduces his daughter, Meredith who was a track star and college basketball player at Stanford.

Bischoff makes another appearance but this time comes to the ring. Bischoff says Meredith Avery should have a debut match soon and makes some small talk with Robert Avery. He then barbs Jericho about losing the Money in the Bank Briefcase to Smackdown and says it's a shame Jericho let Raw down. Jericho says it's funny that Bischoff should come down because Jericho had all the lawyers study over his contract. Jericho says after WrestleMania, he's free to go anywhere, and asks Bischoff if he's willing to keep him here. Bischoff says he gives the orders, and escalates the situation by telling Jericho to leave the arena and leave Raw. Bischoff taunts Jericho about his rock music, commitment to the wrestling business, and says Meredith could probably beat him up since Jericho hasn't won much lately anyway. Jericho slaps Bischoff before leaving the ring. Jericho flips off Bischoff and storms away from the ringside area.

The first match of the evening is a tag-team contest between The World's Greatest Tag-Team and The Hardy Boys. The championship caliber match is very competitive and back and forth. Both teams show signs of fatigue from the WrestleMania battle. The contest ends rather abruptly when Benjamin executes a sunset flip from the turnbuckle into a jackknife pinning predicament that beats Jeff Hardy.

Winners: Charlie Haas & Shelton Benjamin @ 14:26

Backstage, Jericho furiously makes his way to the limo, telling Todd Gresham he is leaving Raw for good. Jericho says that Bischoff is a jackass and Triple H needs three other men to make up for the fact he wears a skirt. Jericho leaves angrily, telling Gresham he is going to make an impact very soon.

Singles Match
Kane vs. Snitsky

The second match of the evening sees a bandaged Kane do battle against Snitsky. The contest is very physical and demanding of both men. Snitsky exploits the heavy wrapping and injuries to Kane's ribs, but The Big Red Machine battled back. Suddenly, Tomko enters through the crowd in civilian dress, striking Kane with a large pipe.

Winner: Kane via DQ @ 6:57

Snitsky and Tomko completely devastate Kane with the pipe, leaving him bloodied in the ring after half a dozen brutal strikes. Snitsky finishes Kane off with a steel chair, and Tomko tells the crowd to shut their mouths. The men talk about not being included in WrestleMania, but that tonight made up for it. They say they'll keep beating the hell out of anyone who stands in their way before leaving the entrance ramp.

Backstage, Trish Stratus is standing by with Todd Gresham. Stratus talks about her dominance in the women's division and the victory over Christy Hemme at WrestleMania. Trish talks badly about Lita, saying she'll never be the same after injury and will never challenge for the championship again.

Meanwhile, Meredith Avery and Christy Hemme talk it up outside their dressing room. Hemme says she's excited to see Avery wrestle and that improvement is everything. Avery is approached by Molly Holly and Victoria, who say it's important to choose the right friends in this business. Avery says she can choose friends for herself, and Victoria says she hopes Avery chooses wisely.

Backstage, Evolution runs across Shawn Michaels. Triple H insults JBL by calling him a Wall Street cattle rustler, and says Michaels has always picked the soft competition. Michaels says part of evolution is that the strongest survive, and he's outlasted everyone in the business. Michaels says they may be the dominant force on Raw now, but things change. Orton says if Michaels ever wants to change them himself, there is a place for legends in the ring next to the legend killer. There is a stare down between Michaels and the four members of Evolution as the camera cuts away.

Singles Match
Chris Benoit vs. Viscera w/Val Venis

The third match of the evening is a singles contest between Chris Benoit and the behemoth Viscera, who is joined at ringside by Val Venis. Like many other superstars on this night, Benoit is taped up and a step slow. Big Vis keeps the pressure on, using his size and power to hammer on Benoit. The contest turns when Big Vis powers out of a Sharpshooter attempt. Benoit crashes through the ropes and falls awkwardly to the floor. Big Vis sends Benoit into the steel ring posts, before tossing him into the crowd. Benoit tries, but he is ultimately counted out and unable to re-enter. Medics come out to check on Benoit after the match as Viscera celebrates a win.

Winner: Viscera @ 9:01

Kurt Angle is backstage in preparation when The Rock knocks and enters. The Rock and Angle talk about their match at WrestleMania, but the need to be careful against Evolution. They recall serious injuries to Steiner, Goldberg, and Nash. Angle says something needs to be done about Evolution, and The Rock goes on to pledge he'll watch Angle's back tonight. The Rock says he knows the locker room is getting tired of Evolution.

Singles Match
Tatanka vs. Maven

The fourth match of the evening is between Tatanka and Maven. The crowd rallies behind the veteran Tatanka, and Maven taunts them when he's able to outmaneuver the veteran early. Tatanka battles back. The contest ends when Maven scores a thumb to the eye without the referee's knowledge. Maven tries to take advantage, but Tatanka scoops him up to hit the Wykea out of nowhere, securing the feel good win.

Winner: Tatanka @ 6:28

Evolution enters for the main event, followed by Kurt Angle and then The Rock. There is wait and buildup, as officials check all the men for weapons and finally ring the bell.

Eric Bischoff's main event begins abruptly when with all parties in the ring except Kurt Angle, Randy Orton attacks the former World Heavyweight Champion from behind. The tag-team match quickly gets underway and is an all out fight. The Rock and Kurt Angle match the intensity of their foes every step of the way. Triple H interferes from ringside when Angle escapes a Batista Bomb before hitting The Animal with an Angle Slam.

This prompts Robert Avery to enter, saying he knows fairness and will stand for it. Avery orders Triple H and Randy Orton banned from ringside.

The match now wears on, as The Rock and Angle are able to isolate Flair in spurts. The tag-team work between Angle and The Rock is on point. Evolution battles back however, showing why they're the World Tag-Team Champions.

The finale comes when Batista charges. The Rock and Angle team to body drop The Animal to the outside. The Rock hits the legal man Flair with a Rock Bottom, before Angle synchs in the Ankle Lock. Flair is forced to tap, giving The Rock and Kurt Angle a hard fought victory.

Winners: The Rock & Kurt Angle @ 15:23

There is no time for celebration. Batista re-enters, but so does Randy Orton and Triple H, who reappear from the backstage area. After Triple H nails Angle in the head with the World Heavyweight Championship, the numbers game soon turns against The Rock. Batista wraps a chair around the leg of The Rock, hoping to break The Great One's leg. However, Evolution never gets the chance.

Goldberg's music hits to an absolutely thunderous ovation. Goldberg charges into the four on one situation, dishing out punishment before eventually being tackled and overpowered. The Rock rejoins the fight, and the two men throw Triple H from the ring. Flair and Batista get out of dodge, but Goldberg hits Randy Orton with a big Spear. Three members of Evolution tactically retreat, as the returning Goldberg lifts the fourth for a devastating Jackhammer. The Rock and Goldberg stand defiantly over the downed Randy Orton, as Evolution looks on livid from the entrance ramp.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend. - John 15:13

The show begins as the ECW World Tag-Team Champions William Regal and Dave Taylor enter the ring and talk about Buffalo's hard working people that are overlooked like ECW but still shine anyway. The crowd perceives Regal's insincerity and dogs him for it. Regal says ECW has to stick together, but then criticizes Paul Heyman for not following through. Regal shows footage of Heyman celebrating with Smackdown superstar Rob Van Dam after WrestleMania, and says Heyman should answer for this. Regal lays on more criticism, before Heyman comes down to the ring.

Regal and Heyman trade barbs and words before Heyman says he's the boss and he'll do what he wants, that he's put ECW on the map and isn't stopping. Heyman talks about his friendship and loyalty to RVD. Heyman says he has a plan to keep advancing ECW and Regal and Taylor are a part of it. He announces a Hardcore main event tonight between Monty Brown and Sabu, but says next week it'll be another Hardcore main event for the ECW World Tag-Team Championships. William Regal and Dave Taylor will face two other members of the ECW Originals, Tommy Dreamer and The Sandman.

Backstage, Matt Striker is speaking to the newest member of the ECW roster, CM Punk in a parking garage close to the elevators. Punk talks about making his debut tonight and how it will feel to finally step into a WWE ring. The two men see a limousine pass by, and looking out the window is none other than Chris Jericho.

Singles Match
The Big Show(c) vs. Stevie Richards

In the ring, The ECW World Heavyweight Champion begins the first match of the evening with ferocious intent against Stevie Richards. The contest is quickly over, as Big Show physically dissects Richards before mercifully finishing the match.

Winner: The Big Show @ 3:17

Big Show takes a mic and says Heyman should have been celebrating with him, the ECW Champion, instead of Rob Van Dam. Big Show says unlike the tag-team champions, he won't complain about it. He'll let his actions do the talking, because he never has to worry about being overlooked.

Suddenly, Chris Jericho's music hits and he stuns the crowd, making his way to the ring. The Big Show asks what the hell he's doing here, and Jericho explains his contractual situation and that he could leave Raw. Jericho says he's here to make an impact, and says The Big Show has remained unchallenged for too long. Jericho issues a challenge for Backlash and the ECW World Heavyweight Championship, but Heyman appears on the video monitor and says while Jericho is part of putting ECW on the map, he just can't show up and go straight to the top. Heyman says that one Hardcore match next week isn't enough, and Jericho will go one on one with the man Big Show beat at WrestleMania, Balls Mahoney, to decide who will challenge The Big Show at Backlash. Mahoney makes his way to the ring, and there is a stare down between the three men.

The New Breed is backstage hyping up Monty Brown for his match. They laugh at the ECW Originals, mocking them for their age and rugged appearance. They run into Chris Harris and James Storm, who remind Brown he did a lot of talking and mocking leading up to his loss at WrestleMania to the Undertaker.

Singles Match
Justin Credible vs. CM Punk

In the ring, CM Punk makes his debut against Justin Credible. The two men go all out physically, and the contest keeps up a fast and unpredictable pace. Punk showcases his technical prowess, and eventually wears Credible down. Punk wins with the Go To Sleep to prevail in his first WWE match.

Winner: CM Punk @ 8:30

After the break, The ECW Originals are backstage, pumping up Sabu for his main event Hardcore contest against Monty Brown.

CM Punk is backstage, and is intercepted by Chris Jericho. The two men shake hands and Jericho congratulates Punk on his win. Jericho says he’s sorry to overshadow Punk’s debut, but business is business and he’s here in ECW for one thing – the ECW World Heavyweight Champion. Punk says he doesn’t mean to be rude but he’s not here to be overshadowed by anyone. Chris Jericho says perhaps one day they’ll see each other in the ring. Punk says he’ll be ready. Jericho laughs and cockily walks away.

Main Event - Hardcore Match
Monty Brown vs. Sabu

Brown and Sabu have a physically intense match with contrasting styles. Brown tries to keep Sabu grounded early on, keeping weapons out of the equation. Sabu utilizes a steel chair at ringside to turn the tables and the match turns hardcore. Sabu utilizes two tables, two steel chairs, and a chain. Brown is nearly choked out on several occasions. The tide turns for Sabu when Brown catches him with a brass knuckle shot as Sabu jumps from the turnbuckle. Brown covers to get the hard fought win.

Winner: Monty Brown @ 10:26

The fans boo Brown as a bloodied Sabu is motionless in the ring. Tommy Dreamer and The Sandman emerge on the entrance ramp, and there is a stare down as the show ends. The announcers remind us that next week, The Sandman and Dreamer will challenge ECW World Tag-Team Champions William Regal and Dave Taylor in another Hardcore main event for championship gold.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend. - John 15:13